The 10 Second Review
Kia has recently discontinued the Cadenza, a spacious sedan. Consequently, it’s likely that we’ll see more of its successor, known as the K8. Boasting a stylish design with a lengthy and sloping profile, along with a stunning interior, the K8 presents an elegant appearance and appears poised to compete effectively with sedans such as the Lexus ES.
Pros
- Stylish Design
- Soundproofing
- High Tech Interior
- Premium Interior Materials
Cons
- Ride Quality
- Fuel Efficiency
- Wired CarPlay & Android Auto (USB-A)
The In-Depth Review
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The flagship K8 boasts a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, delivering 296 horsepower (221 kilowatts), a slight increase of six horses compared to the Cadenza’s 3.3-liter V6. Torque has also seen a bump, now at 265 pound-feet (359 Newton-meters), a 12 lb-ft (16 Nm) improvement over the now-defunct sedan. While the gains in horsepower and torque are marginal, a more significant addition is the introduction of an all-wheel-drive system for this top-tier variant.
Kia emphasizes that the large sedan replacing the Cadenza features a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, accompanied by a reduction in noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels through the integration of robust sound-deadening materials. Notably, the brand highlights a triple sealing solution for the doors, claiming a substantial reduction in undesirable noises.
The new K8 not only showcases a vastly different exterior from the old Cadenza but also introduces an unprecedented level of sophistication to the cabin. A standout feature is the “smart support” function for the driver’s seat, activated either when the sport mode is engaged or automatically when the K8 surpasses 81 mph (130 km/h). This function adjusts the height of the seat’s hip area and reinforces support to the side bolsters.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Surpassing the K8’s intriguing exterior design is its exceptionally stunning interior. Described by Kia as a “detail-oriented lounge,” it exudes a luxurious ambiance reminiscent of ultra-modern furniture and audio equipment. The focal point is a curved display uniting two 12-inch screens, dedicated to the gauge cluster and infotainment, a feature likely to become a hallmark across the Kia lineup. Climate controls are accessible via a touch-sensitive panel capable of cycling through various modes, with physical knobs for temperature adjustments, although a volume knob is notably absent. Introducing a new design for Kia, the steering wheel and the gear selector, a rotary knob, seem to have been directly inspired by Genesis.
The expansive wood trim adorning the dashboard, featuring a diamond pattern, supports the display, while a metal panel extends behind it onto the door panels, housing air vents and speakers for the Meridian audio system (a first for Kia). Wood accents extend to the doors and center console, complemented by abundant diamond-stitched Napa leather throughout the interior. Beyond ambient lighting in the door panels, the K8 boasts what Kia terms as Star Cloud lighting—sparkling “interactive” lights interspersed within the diamond patterns on the dashboard wood and the metal door trim.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The user-friendly infotainment system incorporates TomTom’s top-tier traffic and map services, featuring a well-designed interface. The premium sound system contributes to the overall pleasure of the driving experience. However, it’s worth noting that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are exclusively available through a USB-A wired setup. The safety features are exceptional, encompassing a range of driver-assistance technologies that elevate both convenience and security.
Price from AED 145,000
“This acts as a substitute for the Cadenza, alternatively recognized as the K7, which has recently been removed from Kia’s lineup”
